Adjustable Hat

ABSTRACT

A size-adjustable hat comprises a front panel attached at a center portion to the body of the hat to form two laterally extending straps. The straps are removably attached to the sides of the hat. The straps can be attached closer to the front of the hat or closer to the rear of the hat to adjust the inner circumference of the hat to thereby accommodate heads of different sizes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/319,929, filed Feb. 7, 2003, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to hats, and more particularly to a hat having a front panel that enables the size of the hat to be adjusted.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Hats for protecting the head of the wearer against cold weather are ubiquitous. Cold weather hats are typically made of warm material such as wool, fleece, or animal furs. In order to completely cover of the head of the wearer, cold weather hats typically are not adjustable. Rather, resilience in the material, such as fleece and wool, enables the hat to be stretched to accommodate heads of different sizes. However, the constriction caused by the stretched material may be uncomfortable to the wearer. Alternatively, with materials having little or no stretch, such as animal furs, the hats can be fabricated in a range of different sizes. However, the preselected sizes may not comfortably accommodate every wearer, and a retailer must have available a sufficient supply of each hat in every size in order to accommodate all possible customers.

[0006] Adjustable hats are also ubiquitous. A well-known example is a baseball style cap which has an adjustable strap at the back of the cap. A portion of the cap material adjacent the strap must be removed in order to facilitate the adjustability, and maintain the appearance, of the cap. Because of the removal of the cap material, such an adjustment would be unsuitable for a cold weather hat. Furthermore, cold weather hats are typically warn low on the head to protect the back of the head and the neck, unlike baseball-style caps. Because of this, an adjustable strap at the back of the hat would be unworkable and uncomfortable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] An adjustable hat according to the invention has a forward portion, a top portion, side portions, and a rear portion. The hat includes a brow panel attached to the forward portion so that the brow panel, the forward portion, the top portion, the side portions and the rear portion together form an envelope adapted to cover a wearer's head. At least one strap extends rearwardly from the brow panel along one of the side portions and is removably attachable to the side portion at more than one position. Thus, attaching the strap to the side portion can selectively increase or decrease the size of the envelope to adjust the hat for wearers' heads of differing sizes.

[0008] Preferably, a strap extends from the brow panel along each of the side portions and is removably attachable at more than one position. The brow panel can be attached to the forward portion by stitching or by a hook and loop closure. Also, the straps can be removeably attachable to the side portions by a hook and loop closure or by a snap closure.

[0009] In one aspect, the adjustable hat can include a pair of ear flaps attached to the side portions for covering a wearer's ears. Preferably, the ear flaps can be folded into the envelope adjacent to the side portions. A pair of ear straps is also attached to the side portions. A chinstrap can interconnect the ear straps to secure the hat to a wearer's head.

[0010] The adjustable hat can be fabricated of fleece, synthetic material, leather, denim, or wool. The rear portion can be sized to cover the nape of a wearer's neck. Preferably, the strap or straps are integral with the brow panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] In the drawings:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable hat according to the invention in use.

[0013]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1 showing a fold-down ear flap in position for covering a wearer's ear.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a left side perspective view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1 illustrating the adjustment of the hat.

[0019]FIG. 8 is a plan view of a side panel piece comprising an element of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a plan view of a center panel piece comprising an element of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a neck panel piece comprising an element of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 11 is a plan view of an ear flap panel piece comprising an element of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 12 is a plan view of an inner brow panel comprising an element of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0024]FIG. 13 is a plan view of an outer brow panel comprising an element of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 14 is a left side perspective view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the adjustable hat of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Referring now to the figures, and in particular to FIGS. 1, 3-5, and 14-16, an embodiment of an adjustable hat 10 according to the invention has an exterior surface 12, and an interior surface 14 adapted to be in contact with a wearer's head. The hat 10 has a front side 16 adapted to be disposed toward the front of the wearer's head, a rear side 18 adapted to cover the rear of the wearer's head and at least a portion of the wearer's neck, side portions comprising a left side 20 and a right side 22, and a top portion 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the left side 20 and the right side 22 are each provided with an ear cutout 24 that can leave the wearer's ears uncovered. A pair of ear straps 26 is sized and located to partially encircle the wearer's ears. A chinstrap 28 is attached to the ear straps 26 and is adapted to pass underneath a wearer's chin to secure the hat 10 to the wearer's head. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is designed to replicate a conventional helmet worn by hockey players. However, the adjustable hat 10 can take other forms and designs.

[0029] As shown particularly in FIG. 2, the adjustable hat 10 comprises an assemblage of several panels, including a left side panel 40, a right side panel 42, a center panel 44, a neck panel 46, a brow panel 48, and a pair of ear flaps 50. The panels are preferably comprised of a fabric, a synthetic material, or leather suitable for cold weather wear, such as fleece in the sense of any fabric with a soft deep pile, wool, animal furs, or a combination of fabrics, synthetics, and leathers.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 8, the side panels 40, 42 comprise an irregularly-shaped, generally curvilinear side panel piece 58 having a curved edge 60 terminating at a first end in a back bottom edge 62 extending generally radially from the curved edge 60, and at a second end in a brow edge 68 extending toward the first end. Extending toward the curved edge 60 from the back bottom edge 62 and generally perpendicular thereto is an ear cutout rear edge 64. The ear cutout rear edge 64, the back bottom edge 62, and an adjacent portion of the curved edge 60 define a neck flap 66. The ear cutout rear edge 64 terminates in an ear cutout top edge 78 extending generally perpendicular thereto. The brow edge 68 terminates in a downwardly depending front edge 70 which terminates in a front bottom edge 72 generally parallel to the back bottom edge 62. An ear cutout front edge 74 extends from the front bottom edge 72 to the ear cutout top edge 78. The ear cutout front edge 74, the front bottom edge 72, and the front edge 70 define a temple flap 76. The ear cutout front edge 74, the ear cutout top edge 78, and the ear cutout rear edge 64 define the ear cutout 24 separating the temple flap 76 from the neck flap 66.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the back bottom edge 62 is 3Â{fraction (1/4)} inches long, the ear cutout rear edge 64 is 2⅝ inches long, the brow edge 68 is 2Â1/4 inches long, the front edge 70 is 3Â½ inches long, the front bottom edge 72 is 2 inches long, the ear cutout front edge 74 is 1⅞ inches long, and the ear cutout top edge 78 is 1{fraction (5/8 )} inches long. The distance from the ear cutout top edge 78 to the top of the side panel piece 58, identified as dimension “A” in FIG. 8, is approximately 8 inches, and the distance from the front edge 70 to the curved edge 60 along a line collinear with the ear cutout top edge 78, identified as dimension “B” in FIG. 8, is 7Â{fraction (3/4)} inches.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 9, the center panel 44 comprises a somewhat rectangular-shaped, elongated panel piece 88 having a brow edge 90, a neck edge 92 generally parallel to and spaced away from the brow edge 90, an outwardly curved left side panel edge 94 extending between the brow edge 90 and the neck edge 92, and an outwardly curved right side panel edge 96 extending between the brow edge 90 and the neck edge 92 in symmetrical, spaced-apart juxtaposition with the left side panel edge 94. In the preferred embodiment, the brow edge 90 and the neck edge 92 are 3 inches long, the length of the center panel 44 is 14 inches, and the width of the center panel 44 at its widest point is 3⅞ inches.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 10, the neck panel 46 is a rectangular-shaped panel piece 108 having a left side panel edge 110 and a right side panel edge 112 in parallel, spaced-apart juxtaposition and an outer edge 114 and an inner edge 116 in parallel, spaced-apart juxtaposition extending from the left side panel edge 110 to the right side panel edge 112. In the preferred embodiment, the neck panel 46 is 9Â½ inches long and 3Â¼ inches wide.

[0034] The brow panel 48 comprises an inner brow panel 130 and an outer brow panel 150. Referring now to FIG. 12, the inner brow panel 130 is a somewhat elliptical-shaped piece having a curved left edge 132 and a curved right edge 134 in symmetrical, spaced-apart juxtaposition joined by an outwardly-curved upper edge 136 and an outwardly-curved lower edge 138 in symmetrical spaced-apart juxtaposition. In the preferred embodiment, the inner brow panel 130 is 17 inches long and 3Â½ inches wide at its widest point. The radius of curvature of the curved edges 132, 134 is approximately Â¾ inch to 1 inch. Referring now to FIG. 13, the outer brow panel 150 is a somewhat elliptical-shaped piece having a curved left edge 152 and a curved right edge 154 in symmetrical, spaced-apart juxtaposition joined by an outwardly-curved upper edge 156 and an outwardly-curved lower edge 158 in symmetrical spaced-apart juxtaposition. In the preferred embodiment, the outer brow panel 150 is 17 inches long and 4 inches wide at its widest point. The radius of curvature of the curved edges 152, 154 is approximately 1 inch.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 11, the ear flap 50 comprises a somewhat rectangular-shaped panel piece 168 having an upper edge 170, terminating at a first end in a front edge 174 and at a second end in a back edge 176 orthogonal thereto. An outwardly-extending curved lower edge 172 extends between the front edge 174 and the back edge 176. The ear flap 50 is sized to completely cover the ear cutout 24 when the ear flap 50 is folded down over the ear cutout 24, based upon the sizes selected for the other panels.

[0036] The various panels are joined together, preferably by sewing in a well-known manner using generally conventional sewing techniques. The left side panel 40 and the right side panel 42 each comprise a pair of identical side panel pieces 58 which are brought together in perimetrical alignment and joined by stitching along a panel seam 80 to form a single panel 40, 42 comprising a double thickness of fabric. Similarly, the center panel 44 comprises a pair of identical center panel pieces 88 which are brought together in perimetrical alignment and joined by stitching along a panel seam 98 to form a single panel 44 comprising a double thickness of fabric. The brow panel 48 is fabricated by symmetrically aligning the inner brow panel 130 and the outer brow panel 150 so that the left edge 132 is in corresponding relationship with the left edge 152 and the right edge 134 is in corresponding relationship with the right edge 154. The brow panels 130, 150 are then joined by stitching along a panel seam 140 in the inner brow panel 130 and a panel seam 160 in the outer brow panel 150 so that the finished seam is only visible along the inner brow panel 130. Finally, the ear flaps 50 comprise a pair of identical ear flap panel pieces 168 which are brought together in perimetrical alignment and joined by stitching along a panel seam 178 to form a single ear flap 50 comprising a double thickness of fabric.

[0037] The panels are assembled into the hat 10, preferably by sewing in a well-known manner using generally conventional sewing techniques. In a preferred embodiment, the panels are stitched together so that the edges of the joined panels extend inwardly along the interior surface 14, thereby giving the exterior surface 12 a smooth, finished appearance, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The curved edge 60 of the left side panel 40 is joined to the left side panel edge 94 of the center panel 44 by stitching along a suitable seam. Similarly, the curved edge 60 of the right side panel 42 is joined to the right side panel edge 96 of the center panel 44 by stitching along a suitable seam. The ear flaps 50 are stitched along the upper edge 170 to the side panels 40, 42 adjacent the ear cutout top edge 78 to be joined to the interior surface 14. The ear flaps 50 can thus be folded upward flat against the interior surface 14 when the wearer desires to leave his or her ears exposed through the ear cutouts 24, or alternately folded downward behind the ear cutouts 24 to provide additional covering for the ears as shown in FIG. 6.

[0038] The neck panel 46 is attached to the rear side 18 of the hat 10 by first folding the neck panel 46 along the fold line 118 so that the neck panel 46 is folded over the back bottom edge 62 of the side panels 40, 42 and the neck edge 92 of the center panel 44, with the outer edge 114 extending along the exterior surface 12 and the inner edge 116 extending along the interior surface 14, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. The neck panel 46 is then stitched to the side panels 40, 42 and the center panel 44 along the panel seam 120.

[0039] The brow panel 48 is attached to the front side 16 of the hat 10 by stitching the brow panel 48 to the brow edge 90 of the center panel 44 along the central portion of the edge formed by the joining of the upper edge 136 to the upper edge 156, thereby forming a left brow panel strap 192 and a right brow panel strap 194 that can extend toward the rear side 18 of the hat 10 along the upper portion of the side panels 40, 42, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7. The inner surface of each panel strap 192, 194 is provided with a brow panel fastener 196 (FIG. 5), such as a hook-and-loop or Velcro closure, or snaps. Similarly, the outer surface of each side panel 40, 42 is provided with a side panel fastener 190 in corresponding operable relationship to the brow panel fasteners 196 (FIG. 7).

[0040] The ear straps 26 are attached to the folded neck panel 46 at the left side panel edge 110 and the right side panel edge 112, and to the temple flap 76 at the front bottom edge 72, as shown in FIG. 4. The chin strap 28 is permanently attached at a first end to a first ear strap 26, such as by stitching, and removably attached at a second end to a second ear strap 26, such as with straps or a hook-and-loop closure, as shown in FIGS. 2-4.

[0041] The hat 10 can be readily adjusted to accommodate heads of different circumferences by adjusting the attachment of the brow panel straps 192, 194 to the side panels 40, 42, as shown in FIG. 7. For heads having smaller circumferences, the brow panel straps 192, 194 can be pulled toward the rear side 18 of the hat 10 to tighten the brow panel 48 relative to the rest of the hat 10. Conversely, for heads having larger circumferences, the brow panel straps 192, 194 can be loosened toward the front side 16 of the hat 10 to loosen the brow panel 48 relative to the rest of the hat 10. Regardless of the point of attachment of the brow panel straps 192, 194 to the side panels 40, 42, the brow panel 48 will maintain a constant configuration so that the hat 10 will retain the same appearance. Furthermore, regardless of the point of attachment, the brow panel 48 will completely cover the front of the user's head without forming any openings that can leave part of the user's head exposed, thereby providing complete warmth and protection to the user.

[0042] Alternatively, in lieu of stitching, the brow panel 48 can be attached to the front side 16 of the hat 10 by the use of one or more fasteners (not shown), such as hook-and-loop or Velcro closures, or snaps, attached to the lower center portion of the inner brow panel 130 adjacent the lower edge 138, and the center panel 44 adjacent the brow edge 90, in cooperative relationship. This enables the brow panel 48 to be completely removed for use of the hat 10 without a brow panel. It also enables different brow panels having different colors and/or team logos to be selectively interchanged by the wearer. Finally, it enables further refinement of the size adjustment of the hat 10 to provide a more comfortable, customized fit for the wearer.

[0043] As disclosed previously, the embodiment described herein comprises an adjustable hat replicating a conventional hockey helmet such as worn by high school, college, and professional hockey players. The hockey-style adjustable hat can be fabricated in combinations of colors to replicate the hockey helmets worn by a favorite hockey team. The hat can also be provided with team logos. Hockey fans can combine a team hat with a team jersey, thereby strengthening fan loyalty and keeping the wearer warm while at the hockey rink or outdoors.

[0044] While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing description and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention, which is described in the appended claims. 

1. An adjustable hat having a forward portion, a top portion, side portions, and a rear portion, comprising: a brow panel attached to the forward portion wherein the brow panel, the forward portion, the top portion, the side portions and the rear portion together form an envelope adapted to cover a wearer's head; and at least one strap extending rearwardly from the brow panel along one of the side portions and removably attachable thereto at more than one position, whereby attaching the at least one strap to the side portion can selectively increase or decrease the size of the envelope to adjust the hat for wearers' heads of differing sizes.
 2. The adjustable hat of claim 1 wherein a strap extends from the brow panel along each of the side portions and is removably attachable thereto at more than one position.
 3. The adjustable hat of claim 1 wherein the brow panel is attached to the forward portion by stitching.
 4. The adjustable hat of claim 1 wherein the brow panel is removeably attachable to the forward portion by a hook and loop closure.
 5. The adjustable hat of claim 1 wherein the at least one strap is removeably attachable to the side portions by at least one hook and loop closure.
 6. The adjustable hat of claim 1 wherein the at least one strap is removeably attachable to the side portions by at least one snap closure.
 7. The adjustable hat of claim 1 and further comprising a pair of ear flaps attached to the side portions for covering a wearer's ears.
 8. The adjustable hat of claim 7 wherein the ear flaps are adapted to be folded into the envelope adjacent to the side portions.
 9. The adjustable hat of claim 1 and further comprising a pair of ear straps attached to the side portions.
 10. The adjustable hat of claim 9 and further comprising a chin strap interconnecting the ear straps to secure the hat to a wearer's head.
 11. The adjustable hat of claim 1 wherein the hat is fabricated from any of fleece, synthetic material, leather, denim, and wool.
 12. The adjustable hat of claim 1 wherein the rear portion is sized to cover the nape of a wearer's neck.
 13. The adjustable hat of claim 1 wherein the at least one strap is integral with the brow panel. 